Increase of 7% in volume of trade between Egypt and European Union

Trade between Egypt and European Union countries achieved an increase of 7% during the last year where trade in 1997 amounted to $6.6 billion and rose to $7.2 billion in 1998.

Following his return from Brussels after concluding the tour of Egyptian - European Union partnership negotiations yesterday, Egyptian assistant foreign minister and chairman of the Egyptian - European partnership, Gamal Bayoumi, said the tour has tackled the rights of Egyptian colonies in Europe.

He said the Egyptian delegation emphasized the importance of facilitating the entrance of those who benefit from the partnership activities, such as businessmen, representatives of companies and Egyptian trainees.

Moreover the Egyptian delegation called for facilitating the offering of entrance visas to families of Egyptians who reside in Europe so they can enter EU countries, in addition to discussing topics concerning agriculture, the most important of were was exports of onions, potatoes, minerals, and fish that face many European obstacles.